The internet can be a toxic place, and few people know that more than Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
As the youngest woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, Ocasio-Cortez is more adept than many of her colleagues on social media outlets like Instagram and Twitter. However, the Congresswoman—known colloquially as AOC—evokes strong distaste among many on the right.
These trolls often show up on her replies, but on Wednesday night, there was a cheerleader in her mentions—one she recognized.
The Congresswoman was confirming reports that her address at the upcoming Democratic National Convention would be limited to one minute.
“I only have a minute.
Sixty seconds in it.
Forced upon me, I did not choose it,
But I know that I must use it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Suffer, if I lose it.
Only a tiny little minute,
But eternity is in it."
- Dr. Benjamin E. Mays
(and recited by Elijah Cummings) 💜 https://t.co/ul9CE7NriV
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 12, 2020
Someone left her an encouraging message.
You've got this.
Remember all those poems we recited together in 2nd grade?
It was prep for this moment.
You've got this.
💕
— mjacobs (@mjacobs324) August 12, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez's response was overflowing with nostalgia and gratitude.
Ms. Jacobs! Is that you?! 😭
Yes, I do remember the poems we recited in second grade! You prepared me perfectly for this moment.
Thank you for teaching me, encouraging my growth, and believing in me as a child 💜
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) August 12, 2020
Ms. Jacobs was equally elated.
Yes, yes!!!
It's me!
I'm here.
I've been here. (Trying to reach you for the past 2 years...)
You are my superhero!
I want to give you a hug when hugs are safe again.
Always always here for you.
xoxoxoxoxo
PS Sometime I can share the page you wrote in my end-of-year teacher book.
— mjacobs (@mjacobs324) August 12, 2020
Before long, the exchange between AOC and her second grade teacher became more viral than the original tweet.
I had just told my wife earlier that I couldn't find any good news today. The small things were being drowned out. Ty, I needed this. ❤️
— Foodstamps1971 (@FoodStamps1971) August 13, 2020
This was really the cute content I needed pic.twitter.com/2Cw4rLc7FZ
— Tony Toni Toné Morrison (@Kyla_Lacey) August 12, 2020
Wow, your 2nd grade teacher giving you encouragement is the coolest thing I've ever seen on Twitter.
— Roger Sullivan (@RogerSullivanNO) August 12, 2020
I just read this whole exchange (and poem) to my 5 year old, through tears.
Teachers. Leaders. Seeds planted. Poems.
I'm a wreck.
— Erica Manney 🗽 (@emanney) August 12, 2020
This is why we teachers do what we do. Almost worth having insomnia and crippling anxiety right now, in the middle of the night, to get to read this
— WendyfulLifeCA (@WendyfulLifeCA) August 13, 2020
This is the cutest exchange on the internet.
— Katy #SaveTheUSPS Otto (@exfkaty) August 13, 2020
Some were reminded of their own inspirational teachers.
Every thanks to Mr. Spalding, my own 4th & 5th grade teacher. Your enthusiasm for learning was infectious and I have carried with me that love for stories, for discovery ever since. I try to share that Spark with my own students.
— Brick Resistant Oakland (@caramida) August 13, 2020
I love this!! I have my favorite and the woman who impacted my life the most on FB. She is my Pre School then my Kindergarten Teacher. Teachers are amazing humans! Most are super human!
— Melissa Cornelius (@missymadd08) August 13, 2020
Ms. Jacobs, you make me remember my best teachers in Elementary school. Mrs. Urban, Mrs. Salinas, Mrs. Johansson. Teachers who pushed me to work hard and wouldn't let me coast even though I tested into the gifted program. They made me work harder. Thank you.
— Cynna Ael (@CynnaAel) August 13, 2020
Ocasio-Cortez's response came as teachers across the nation prepare to adapt to a new educational landscape in the wake of the pandemic that's killed over 160 thousand Americans. Some are expected to return to school teaching in-person classes, despite clear risks.
Jacobs' Twitter feed frequently discusses this.
Twitter Poetry for a Wednesday:
In another world
I danced with my class
Wrote poetry standing at our classroom window
Laughed at the silly teacher's drawings on the board.
Today, I sit petrified in front of a screen.
It's hard to dance alone.
All the unknowing is undoing me.
— mjacobs (@mjacobs324) August 12, 2020
You can catch Ocasio-Cortez's speech next Tuesday night.
@thesinkingcanoe/Instagram
@arianagrande/Instagram